Daph Stats: 11 Months Old

Dearest Daphodil,

If I had only one word to describe you at 11 months old, the word would be "Fun" - hands down.  You are at the most delightful stage that we have yet experienced!  Your personality is really starting to shine through and there is no doubt that you have a terrific sense of humor (just like your Daddy), love to be active and play (just like your Mommy) and to be around people (like both of us!).

Playing tennis with Mom and Dad

Unfortunately you were sick for almost two weeks this past month which was a sad time for both of us, but it also made me appreciate more fully what a happy little lady you are when you feel well.  You wake up cheerful and go to bed buzzing your lips.  Often it will take you twenty minutes or longer to fall asleep because you are contentedly babbling to yourself in your crib, cracking yourself up with whatever jokes you are telling and laughing your morning nap right away more often than I would like.  One of my favorite things you do when you're happy is when you stick both legs straight out in front of you and kick them up and down as fast as you can, usually while flapping your arms.  It's like you're trying to fly without the forward thrust!

You are cruising along all the furniture now and two nights ago you took your first step from me to Daddy.  It was an exciting moment, but we are in no hurry to have you walking as you are already super busy just as a crawler.  You still obsess over any cord plugged into the wall, but look over your shoulder with a mischievous grin on your face whenever you're about to attempt to mess with it in the outlet.  The same goes for when you're playing with something you know you shouldn't, like our phones or wallets.  You look over to make sure we're watching and then crawl away as fast as you can with the item clutched in your first, laughing your head off.  It's amazing how you know exactly when you're being naughty, but don't seem to feel one bit bad about it!

Can't get over those eyes

You can't sleep anymore without your pink zebra blankie guy.  I love that you have a comfort object, but also loath it because you chew on his little ears so often that I have to wash him every couple of days or he gets stinky.  Sometimes when you get over tired and don't want to be put down for a nap, you get so mad that you throw the zebra guy over the crib onto the nursery floor and then howl and scream until I come in at which point you gesture frantically to your buddy on the ground until he's safe in your arms again.  Kinda cute the first time, not so much when I secretly watch you from the doorway and see you throw him overboard seconds after I tuck you back into bed.  Talk about creating your own drama! 

Daphne and I blowing bubbles in our tiny patch of shade in the backyard

You get really excited when you see other kids and love to have visitors over at the house and will wave goodbye now, primarily when Daddy drives away to go to work.  I think you're starting to recognize some of the kids from church and our neighbors, because you tend to get the most excited when you see Hudson, Brinlee, Olivia, Cade or Ty.  They all adore you and you soak up all the attention, even when they smoother you with hugs.  You still get very calm when we go walking or running and if we want you completely chill all we have to do is go swimming at the rec center.  I can't decide if it's the cool water or if you're just in awe at so much of it in one place, but you are always dead silent and still for the first 10 minutes until you remember that splashing is fun.

I feel so fortunate that my "job" is being your mother.  We are so blessed that Daddy works so hard for us so I can stay home with you to teach you, take care of you, and play with you.  I hope you know that there is nothing in the world I would rather be doing.  You are more than enough fulfillment.  Grow on my sweet little one.

Love you forever and always,

Your Mama